K-1 visas are also known as Fiancé(e) visas. They are used to bring foreign spouses of U.S. citizens to the United States.
Although this is one of the most common ways immigrants become permanent residents, recent reports from government departments suggest denial rates for the K-1 visa are increasing. Increasingly the applications are subjected to extreme vetting, according to reports.
Official statistics point to an increase in denials but that doesn’t tell the whole story. More applications are being submitted for K-1 visas and more are being granted, according to a report by the visa office and other sources.
More K-1 visas are denied
In 2016, 38,403 K-1 visas were issued but 22,492 were denied, according to government statistics. In other words, more than a third of K-1 visas – about 37 percent were denied.
The figure makes it clear how challenging it can be to obtain a K-1 visas. It’s certainly no rubber stamping exercise. The pitfalls highlight the importance of using an experienced Texas K-1 visa attorney for this process.
To apply for a K-1 visa, a U.S. citizen sponsor must file Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), with his or her local USCIS office.
Once he form has been approved by a USCIS official, it can be processed by the National Visa Center (NVC). The visa center assigns a case number to the petition and sends it back to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate of the applicant’s country.
Upon the receipt of a notification letter from the NVC, the U.S. citizen sponsor must have the fiancé(e) prepare and gather the correct documents a visa interview.
Many documents are required for the interview and rejections can often occur at this phase in the complicated process. If you are applying for a K-1 visa it often makes sense to let an expert help you.
If you are sponsoring a loved one to come to the United States, it’s important to talk to an experienced Texas family immigration lawyer. Call us in Austin, Round Rock, San Antonio, Laredo or elsewhere in Texas at (512) 399-2311.